Review: Paracas Short Excursion to Ballestas Island Sea Lions

Planning a quick side trip when you’re visiting Peru? So, too it’s almost a must to see the Ballestas Islands from Paracas, yet very frequently referred to as “the poor man’s Galapagos.” Is that fair? That really is what I wanted to find out when I went on a shorter trip to get close and personal with those island dwellers. Actually, anyway this is about the Ballestas Islands, the animals you get to see, what to expect on the boat, and whether it’s worth fitting into your already-packed Peruvian adventure.

What the Ballestas Islands Actually Are

The Ballestas Islands? Very, very barren, rocky formations that loom dramatically out of the Pacific. Basically, they’re not somewhere you can actually walk on as visitors. Clearly, alright the magic really does happen when the wildlife comes into play. These craggy rocks function basically as wildlife hubs. Frankly, in fact it is home to lots and lots of birds, and, of course, the playfully amazing sea lions that the islands are, like your, more or less, famous for. Anyway, it’s their protected status (as part of the Paracas National Reserve) that actually keeps them in pretty good shape. Still, basically we get to experience some natural habitats flourishing more or less undisturbed by humans.

Up Close With Island Residents: The Wildlife You Will See

Expect tons of birds. So, too it’s almost guanay cormorants, so graceful yet that are almost comically clumsy on land, peruvian boobies and humboldt penguins. What about those amazing sea lions? They are a rowdy, noisy bunch; basically the stars of the show, really. It’s fascinating to watch them lounge, bark, and sometimes just squabble over sunbathing spots. Naturally, nevertheless you will definitely want to bring binoculars. It feels, in a way, as though the full scope of island life really comes into focus once you have a set of lenses at the ready.

What to Expect On the Ballestas Islands Tour

A typical excursion? So, too it’s almost short, normally lasting about two hours. Actually, anyway this is plenty of time to soak it all in. This begins with gearing up at the harbor in Paracas. We jump into a speedboat that gets quite close to the islands. Just a little, arguably most operators run guided tours, which means somebody on the boat helps point out specific wildlife and shares facts regarding the area’s ecology. As I was saying it can be rather breezy out on the water, but in that case it’s worthwhile to bring a windproof jacket! First, for example don’t forget sun protection – that equatorial sun is strong, or, very, very sneaky even on cloudy days.

Respectful Wildlife Viewing: What To Keep In Mind

You’ll notice a couple rules as you head to the islands that your guide might emphasize. That is that it is very important you just stay on the boat, no getting out onto the islands, that might be really obvious. First, for example these locations are sanctuaries for those animals. They really don’t need us humans going around messing with their habitats. Second, and stuff, remember to keep your voice down; Basically, actually shouting or being rowdy is definitely going to disturb the wildlife, similarly to, like your, being super loud in a library. As a matter of fact, the less disruption we cause as viewers, well, I mean, actually the better chance everyone else has had to really see these animals at their natural behavior.

So, Is Ballestas worth the Trip?

Do it! Honestly, just if you’re around Paracas it might be kind of silly to skip this little tour, kind of. Actually, anyway it’s very a memorable, shorter adventure. You get these stunning wildlife photo ops with, I mean, basically hardly a huge chunk of your travel time committed to a boat tour. Right, so while you will not set foot on the Galapagos without, clearly, paying loads more and having, actually, more travel time dedicated, the Ballestas really brings awesome, almost up-close wildlife encounters without those larger investments of money and trip days. Still, basically while some can call them “the bad man’s Galapagos,” I really think the Ballestas kind of earns some appreciation all alone for what it is!

#Paracas #BallestasIslands #PeruTravel #WildlifePhotography